Sabian Symbols: A Chinese laundry

Sagittarius 22 (21° - 22°)

​LOYALTY TO ONE'S OWN WAY OF BEING​Some parts of how we are are in fact who we are; integrity can depend upon our sticking firmly to our principles and manners

It is not always appropriate to blend in and copy others; sometimes it is better to keep ourselves to ourselves and await developments. There are times in life when we need to be strong in who we are and resist change and the temptation to adapt, which might actually be a capitulation. The deepening of self-identity has its own merits and importance; it makes us stronger in faith.

Rudhyar: A CHINESE LAUNDRY

​A Chinese laundry

Seclusion

It is necessary to resist potential inner feelings of inferiority brought on when people disdain our work and worth – as can happen towards those in a Chinese laundry, whose service to the community is actually of real, if hidden importance.

The image hints at those whose path towards self-optimisation requires them to follow a very specialised occupation that might deny them superficial communion with fellows, and even seclusion – a somewhat antisocial lifestyle demanding tremendous concentration for us to focus on important goals.

To master any occupation, it is entirely necessary to guard carefully our inner state and to make a daily practise of inwardness. Whatever is done in the outer world has its origins within – in the inner world of thought and vision. So re-engaging with the inner source of initiative is very wholesome.

In order to sustain the enduring, unrewarded, and even disrespected labour, it takes unremitting dedication and profound faith in ourselves and our work, and a confident trust that out of this work will come a better future for humanity. A great richness of life eventually comes through the pursuit of an objective for which the incentives are remote. Modern society typically rewards those whose achievements and attributes are seen – this is not at all indicative of any emotional or spiritual maturity in the culture.

Because of this, we have to develop exemplary poise. This begins as a necessary facility to maintain a sense of dignity, and yet develops into a masterly attribute – of being able to hold our own even in strange or irksome situations.

Seclusion at work – perhaps at first enforced by an unappreciative social environment – can now be seen as a path towards, and expression of, an unusual depth of inner awareness and self-possession.​By retiring from the busyness of life, we learn to touch the state of soul consciousness, and develop associations with spiritual or angelic forces, whose influence radiates forth. This promotes access to the highest reaches of our inspired creative being, which state is a requirement for the pursuit of the specialist occupation.